Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Columbia, SC

"Life in the face of trauma, depression, and anxiety can make a person feel as though they exist in the shadows. I hold a space where you will be truly seen, safe, and supported in your journey toward wholeness."

I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice with 13 years of experience supporting adults, couples, and families as they navigate trauma, depression, and anxiety. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward, and together we work toward clarity, understanding, and meaningful change.

I earned a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University. I use a client-centered and integrative approach to help clients rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and find lasting peace. My work focuses on uncovering patterns, healing emotional wounds, and fostering self-trust in a supportive and compassionate space.

I know how hard it can be to carry everything alone. You deserve the time and space to breathe, heal, and feel like yourself again. When you’re ready, let’s take the next step toward your peace together.

Howard Malpass is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Supervisor (LPC-S), and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) who has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Howard's initial 5 years of counseling were as a substance abuse counselor in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the military, he worked within the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields as a counselor and clinical supervisor. Howard has worked with adolescents in a children's home environment (using mainly experiential therapy); worked with individuals, couples, and families; led Women's Intensive Outpatient AOD groups, multi-family groups, Life Skills groups, Mens' Sexual Addiction groups (in a Christian setting), aftercare groups, and many more.

Howard completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Webster University. He is trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational behavior therapy, family systems therapy, experiential therapy, person-centered therapy, modified-interpersonal group therapy, and more. Howard utilizes a strength-based perspective, collaborating with clients to find out what works best for them, allowing them to decide how they want to proceed, and supporting them in the process. All of his clients are ideal clients because he realizes that we are all humans with issues and needs. Howard is willing to work with any client with any need, but realizes his limitations and refers clients elsewhere before attempting to counsel them outside of his clinical experience.

Howard operates from a holistic perspective, recognizing that there is more to a person than just mental, emotional, and physical components. He also understands that behaviors are forms of communication and symptoms of deeper, underlying issues. Howard’s ability to use experiential techniques creates a unique environment that enables clients to engage in more than just "talk" therapy to help get to the "root" of those issues, so that they can learn and practice new life skills to assist them in their personal growth and healing. His use of motivational interviewing integrated with different therapeutic approaches, enhances the therapeutic relationship process, helping clients to move forward faster as they feel more invested in the process.

Howard seeks to meet clients where they are at and walk with them to assist with navigating through the ups and downs of their life journey. We all struggle at times as we journey through life. Our struggles often tend to isolate us from those who love and care about us, leading us into deeper levels of isolation and despair. Counseling can help to restore our sense of self and our supportive relationships. It reminds us that we are not alone and have intrinsic value that contributes to our wholeness, as well as the wholeness of society. Howard’s hope and desire is to be one of the links that reconnect you to your whole self and those you need in your life to support you in being the best "you" you can be. You are worth it!

Lee Edwards obtained his Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and his Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina with 12 years of experience as a Counselor helping individuals overcome the barriers presented by depression, anxiety, anger issues, and vocational dissatisfaction. He has also assisted couples in managing the complexities of relationships and aided Law Enforcement Officers in contending with the difficulties encountered because of their vocation. Lee utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, relaxation & meditation techniques, and anger management processes to aid individuals and couples with movement toward their goals. As a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, he also has a good understanding of individuals who have chosen professions with unique challenges. Lee seeks to create a safe and trusting environment for you so that you can identify and move toward your goals, allowing you to pursue a life that is meaningful to you.

"You can't control everything and everyone around you, but you can learn to control how you react to it by establishing boundaries and healthy coping skills to promote peace and balance for you."

Brittany Aiken is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 3 years of experience in mental health. She currently specializes in helping people dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety due to various life changes. She creates a safe environment for you to talk about the things that are going on, assists you in determining what your goals for therapy are, and, through collaboration, helps you figure out changes that will work to accomplish those goals. During your time together, you and Brittany will build a rapport that will make you feel comfortable sharing, supported, and enthusiastic about the changes you've made.

Brittany utilizes a holistic approach, incorporating different techniques that may be beneficial to your personal needs. Additionally, she implements cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, person-centered techniques, and culturally sensitive therapy techniques.

Therapy is not a "one size fits all" type of situation. You are unique and your needs should be addressed based on you only. In order for therapy to be effective, you must be committed to the process and open to trying new things.

"As a seasoned therapist, I want to use my experiences and skills to create a place of genuine warmth and understanding to help people the best way I know how. "

Susan Boykin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 40 years of experience in helping people live a fulfilling life. Susan completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Drew University and her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of South Carolina. Personal life experiences and years of practice have made her a seasoned therapist.

Susan believes therapy is a partnership based on warmth, compassion, and kindness. Her focus is on providing a safe and nonjudgmental relationship in which difficult thoughts and feelings are listened to. Susan knows a wide range of mental health approaches and uses these to design the best care for each person.

She enjoys sharing her skills with persons who are wanting to make positive changes in their life and realize their full potential. Susan believes personal growth and fulfillment is something we can all achieve, no matter our age. Schedule your initial session with her to start addressing the issues that matter.

"As an adult who carries early childhood trauma, I understand that life can seem unbearable at times."

Robert McCloy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life’s most complex emotional and psychological challenges. His specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, low self-esteem, grief, life transitions, and relational concerns. He also offers expert guidance to parents seeking effective discipline strategies and works skillfully with children navigating behavioral and developmental hurdles.

Robert holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. He utilizes a client-centered, integrative approach, fostering trust and emotional safety while applying evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Clients working with Robert often find a steady ally and someone who listens deeply, responds with empathy, and helps illuminate the path toward healing and growth. He creates a space where individuals feel empowered to be fully themselves and to move forward with clarity and confidence.